Ultraviolet rays consist of UVA, UVB, and UVC, which are wavelengths of light in the electromagnetic spectrum ranging from 400nm to 10nm. Among them, UVA plays a strong role in causing sunburn and skin damage, and it has the highest carcinogenic potential. While moderate exposure to ultraviolet radiation can help the body produce the necessary vitamin D, provide germicidal and disinfectant effects, and prevent rickets, excessive exposure to UV rays can lead to an increased production of melanin in the skin, resulting in the formation of dark spots in the epidermal layer. It can be said that ultraviolet radiation is the primary culprit for causing skin aging, sagging, and wrinkles, making it essential to take protective measures.
Graphene can absorb ultraviolet (UV) rays with wavelengths shorter than 281nm and reflect UV rays with wavelengths longer than 281nm. As a result, it can effectively improve the issues of aging and mechanical damage caused by UV radiation in traditional fabrics. Researchers have used layer-by-layer electrostatic assembly to deposit a composite of graphene oxide and chitosan onto cotton fabrics, resulting in a high Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) value of 452 and excellent wash resistance.
In another study, researchers used the dip-coating method to disperse graphene nanoplatelets in water-based polyurethane, creating a continuous phase as a UV shielding agent, which was then coated onto the surface of cotton fabrics. The experimental results showed that the graphene mass fraction exceeded the requirements of national standards for UV-protective textiles.
Japanese scholars used an environmentally friendly and simple method to modify woven aramid fabrics. They functionalized the fabrics with a polytetrafluoroethylene coating and deposited graphene oxide onto the modified fabric, followed by reduction of the graphene oxide. A comparison revealed that graphene oxide reduced the transmittance of UVA and UVB while increasing their absorbance or reflectance. After 168 hours of UV exposure in the same environment, the UPF value of the original aramid fabric decreased from 37.00 to 17.00, whereas the UPF value of the modified fabric decreased from 73.00 to 47.00. It is evident that the anti-UV performance of the fabric was significantly improved by the graphene oxide coating and modification, making graphene an excellent finishing agent for UV protection in textiles.
Graphene-Modified Ballistic Fabric
With the continuous advancement of scientific knowledge, there is a growing demand for improved protection, lightweight properties, and comfort in bulletproof armor. Graphene, known for its lightweight, high strength, and excellent impact resistance, has garnered significant attention from experts and scholars in the materials field. Researchers analyzed the microstructure of graphene-modified boron carbide ceramics and observed a pronounced layered slip phenomenon during material fracture. This behavior allows graphene to dissipate internal stresses during crack propagation, leading to deformation of its multi-folded structure. Explorations and studies on graphene-modified aramid fibers revealed that the modified aramid fibers could compensate for defects caused by fiber drawing. By using graphene-modified aramid fibers to produce ballistic cloth, the ballistic performance was improved by over 7%.
Graphene-Modified Antibacterial Fabric
Antibacterial textiles hold considerable market value for consumers. In everyday wear, traditional textiles can foster the growth of microorganisms due to stains, sweat, and skin flakes, which, in severe cases, might lead to the spread and propagation of diseases. Therefore, antibacterial textiles are indispensable.
Research has shown that graphene and its derivatives possess excellent antibacterial properties and biocompatibility. Antibacterial agents can adhere to the surface of graphene, with no cytotoxicity (rated as 0), making it safe for direct contact with the human body, environmentally friendly, and non-polluting. It is an ideal material for producing high-value antibacterial and antiviral textiles. Additionally, graphene-modified antibacterial fabrics exhibit strong durability, with an antibacterial rate remaining above 90% even after undergoing 100 washing tests.
Issues and Prospects of Graphene Application
Although graphene has numerous benefits in the field of textiles, its functionalization is primarily confined to laboratory research, and there are still several challenges to its large-scale production and direct application in practical settings.
1. Agglomeration and Processability: Due to graphene's unique single atomic layer structure, powdered graphene tends to aggregate during use due to van der Waals forces and π-π interactions. This aggregation may lead to the reformation of thick graphene flakes, causing the loss of its characteristic properties. The key focus of future research will be on achieving uniform distribution and enhanced processability of powdered graphene.
2. Immature Production Process: The production process of graphene is not yet fully mature, resulting in high production costs, poor quality, and limited yields. Improving the production process to reduce costs and enable broader market viability is a critical research direction.
3. Challenges in Pure Graphene Production: Mature technology for pure graphene production is currently lacking, leading to difficulties in achieving sufficient fiber strength, processability, and flexibility. Moreover, the uniformity of graphene composite fibers needs further consideration.
4. Functional Modification: Applying graphene to modify textiles poses challenges in terms of bonding strength and compatibility between functionality and wearing comfort. Nevertheless, graphene, as one of the most influential nanomaterials of the 21st century, continues to demonstrate its value in textile applications, with advancements in fiber and fabric functional modification. New research directions, such as the development of wearable smart textiles incorporating graphene, hold significant promise.
Many countries worldwide, particularly the United States and other developed nations, are actively researching and developing graphene. China, with its abundant graphite reserves accounting for about 75% of the world's total reserves, has great potential for development and should seize the opportunity to overcome challenges.
As researchers delve deeper into graphene exploration, the prospects for its application in the textile industry are promising. Expectations are high for graphene to lead the way in smart textiles' professionalism and industrialization, ultimately paving the path for a green and sustainable future in the high-end textile market.
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